ANNUAL MEETING
Blue Diamond Celebrates 113 th Annual Growers Meeting On November 15, 2023, Blue Diamond Growers celebrated its 113 th Annual Growers Meeting in Modesto, CA. While discussing the meeting’s theme, “Growing Together,” Blue Diamond President and CEO, Kai Bockmann, reflected on his
first ten months in the leadership role and acknowledged the significant challenges faced by growers and the world’s largest almond cooperative. In Bockmann’s remarks and those of Blue Diamond Growers ’ Board Chairman, Dan Cummings, both pointed to the remarkable headwinds for the almond industry, including higher input costs and inflationary pressures, depressed market prices, shifts in consumer purchasing patterns, unfavorable weather conditions and reduced crop sizes. To help counter these challenges, Blue Diamond Growers is advancing an aggressive strategic growth plan to navigate the marketplace conditions and drive substantial growth. “Volatility is our new normal, but our destination is set — and it is one of growth,” said Bockmann. “While this past year brought many challenges for our growers, no challenge is insurmountable. We have a rich history, an exceptional brand, and the right people and culture to deliver against our ambitious growth plan.” In laying out the plan, Bockmann shared with the audience that the strategies and methods that have helped bring the cooperative to where it is today will not achieve the growth and market expansion vital to Blue Diamond grower- owners’ financial success. The new growth plan prioritizes expansion into the massive foodservice market and other strategically selected international markets, while also strengthening the value-added business, doubling down on product innovation, and driving operational efficiences. “Foodservice is a trillion dollar industry that represents a significant growth opportunity for Blue Diamond , and we will directly target that sector as a strategic priority,” said Bockmann. “Additionally, we will diversify and innovate our product portfolio beyond our flagship Blue Diamond snack nuts and Almond Breeze ® . We will build on the tremendous success of these products — which are both the #1 brands in America for nuts and almondmilk.” Bockmann shared that flavor-focused product innovation remains a top priority, commenting that “no one does flavor like Blue Diamond ,” as proved by the widely popular Chilé ‘N Lime flavored snack nuts. The flavor, which was launched in Walmart this past year as a limited time offer, won the “Best Nuts” award in PEOPLE Magazine’s 2023 Food Awards.
Both Kai Bockmann and Dan Cummings pointed to the remarkable headwinds for the almond industry in 2023. Photo credit: Mari Patterson
“We have a rich history, an exceptional brand, and the right people and culture to deliver against our ambitious growth plan,” said Bockmann. Photo credit: Herta Wright
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ALMOND FACTS
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